Milton Crosby wins Gretna City Council seat

Retired educator and juvenile counselor Milton Crosby, who temporarily represented the 1st District last summer, won the race to replace embattled Councilman Jonathan Bolar, who is scheduled to stand trial April 5 on federal charges of extortion and tax evasion, stemming from alleged crimes in connection with his council duties.

Crosby, a Democrat, was appointed by the council last July to replace Bolar, when district council members terms expired in a redistricting dispute. Bolar eventually sued and was returned to his seat.

He claimed 60 percent of the vote, complete but unofficial returnhs show.

During the campaign, Crosby, 77, pledged to be an active and involved council member, saying he would work hard with other council members, if elected. Among his priorities are to rebuild the district's crumbling infrastructure and to create more programs for young people and senior citizens.

Rudy Smith, 67, came in second with 27 precent, the returns show. Bolar placed a distant third with 11 percent.